Change of Heart Over Detroit

Opponents Slam Governor's Turnabout on Bankruptcy; He Saw No Other Option

By

Matthew Dolan

July 21, 2013 7:57 p.m. ET

DETROIT—In 2011, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder said bankruptcy wasn't an option for the city of Detroit. Two years later, he changed his mind, deciding that it was the Motor City's only remaining move.

How Michigan voters view Mr. Snyder's decision last week to sign off on the nation's largest municipal bankruptcy filing—a courageous stand or a disappointing flip-flop—could help decide the Republican's political future. It comes on the...